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Finding the right wine for Easter dinner doesn't have to be difficult.

First, figure out your budget; if you only have to buy a bottle or two, perhaps you can splurge and spend a bit more. If you're responsible for both feeding a crowd and buying the wine, you may want to spend less -- but you'll still want great wines that will please everyone.

Second, find out what's on the menu. If ham is the main protein, consider wines that won't get overpowered by its saltiness; try a dry or semi-dry Riesling or a Gewurztraminer, or even a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

If you're cooking prime rib, try a Syrah/Shiraz or a Bordeaux-style blend, also known as Meritage; the Okanagan Valley offers myriad excellent examples.

If turkey is your standard holiday fare, and red is your wine of choice, try Pinot Noir; a Syrah or Shiraz is also a perennial pleaser.

If your family celebrates Passover, wow the crowd with tasty kosher bubbles such as the Primo'V Prosecco, or a gorgeous red (also kosher), such as the Galil Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (widely available.) Last but not least, perhaps you prefer to order takeout during the impending holiday weekend; try a Gewurztraminer with your Chinese food, or a semi-dry Riesling with Indian takeout. Delicious.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, 2009 (Columbia Valley, Wash.)

The first winery to establish Washington as a viticultural region, Chateau Ste. Michelle is still creating reliable wines, often at value-oriented prices. This semi-dry sipper offers tasty peachy-lime-citrus flavours, and it has just enough sweetness to cut through salty dishes such as ham and Asian takeout.

This small, family-owned winery was started in 2006 and only makes about 2,000 cases of wine each year. Winemaker Chris Carson -a Canadian who has worked at wineries in New Zealand, California and Montrachet, France -is especially fond of Pinot Noir, what he and so many others call "the heartbreak grape" because it isn't particularly easy to grow.

This mediumbodied red wine is unfined and unfiltered, so don't shake it a bunch before serving, and don't be alarmed if there's a bit of sediment in the bottle; it won't hurt you and it won't affect the taste of the wine.

As for that taste? It's gorgeous -- earthy, spicy, fruity goodness. If you enjoy Pinot Noir, you probably won't want to share it with anyone else.

Drink: Now, with a variety of foods, including roast chicken, roast turkey, lamb or even beef. Screw cap closure.

Glenmorangie, Signet (Tain, Scotland)

A scotch fan? And it's splurge time? Here's some whisky history for you.

Glenmorangie is a distillery in the Scottish highlands that has been producing whisky since the mid-1800s. Expect supersmooth, elegant notes of dark chocolate, orange peel and spicy Christmas pudding, from this blend of 30-yearold whiskies.

Glenmorangie, by the way, has just been confirmed as the only distillery to take part in the Fairmont Banff Springs' 20th anniversary International Festival of Food and Wine in October 2011. Call 403-762-1710 for information.

Price: About $226 at Kensington Wine Market and Willow Park Wines & Spirits in Calgary; or ask the next time you're in a duty-free shop.

Drink: Now, by itself, with people you love who love good scotch. Fancy (and heavy) cork and glass closure.

- Shelley Boettcher is the executive editor of Wine Access magazine; follow her on Twitter @shelley_wine. She's also the author of Uncorked: The Definitive Guide to Alberta's Best Wines Under $25 (Whitecap, $19.95).

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